JERSEY CITY – NFL players Jason and Devin McCourty have partnered with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New York Blood Center, New Jersey Blood Services, and the Embrace Kids Foundation to educate the public about sickle cell disease. The pair will be on hand Saturday at City Hall as part of the Tackle Sickle Cell campaign, which was launched this month.

As part of the campaign, the McCourtys, who are twins, are making special appearances to increase the number of blood donors and to help raise money to fight the disease. Sickle cell disease affects one in every 500 African Americans and one in every 1,400 Latinos.

On Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. residents can learn more about sickle cell at City Hall, at 280 Grove St. Residents ages 16 and older can also donate blood. Donors must be at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors should also eat a full meal and drink plenty of before arriving and must bring a photo ID to verify proof of age.

Jason McCourty a cornerback who plays with the Tennessee Titans, and twin brother Devin McCourty, a safety/cornerback with the New England Patriots, will sign autographs for all donors, who will also receive a Tackle Sickle Cell t-shirt.

To register to donate, or to get more information, call (800) 933-BLOOD, ext. 32, or visit www.TackleSickleCell.org.